Thomas Tuchel accuses media of distorting anti-racism comments before Spain tie

Thomas Tuchel says his comments about Spain’s anti-racism protocol were misrepresented before England’s Nations League meeting with Spain, claiming journalists “rushed” to tell Luis de la Fuente that he had accused the country of having a racism problem.

Tuchel was speaking at a news conference at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday night, ahead of Sunday’s match, which will decide the winner of Group A3. Both teams have already reached the quarter-finals, with Spain top on 15 points and England second on 12. Spain won the first meeting 3-2 at Wembley.

“Of course I sent a message, but that message was distorted,” said Tuchel. “I said all along that I expect an atmosphere of respect. I do not expect racism anywhere, and it would surprise me if it happened.”

He added: “I was very polite in what I said, but you rushed to tell your coach that I had said racism exists in Spain. I did not say there is racism in Spain. This is how the media works. The dressing room is the place where racism is least present.

“I was asked what we would do if it happened, and I said there is a protocol in place. That is all. I do not expect anything like that to happen tomorrow. I would be the first to oppose such behaviour.”

Tuchel believes Spain, whom he described as “the best team in the world”, will provide England with a major test.

“They look almost unbeatable and are going through a fantastic period,” he said. “They have been a major force in football for many years and have won many important trophies recently. We will try to stop their winning run and beat them.”

The German added: “It is a meeting between two great forces in world football. Both teams are playing well. We were close to winning at Wembley and will try to do so this time. We want an exceptional match between two sides seeking to control the game.”

Tuchel said all of his players were fit, including Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence, and confirmed James Trafford would start in goal.

“We will give him this opportunity and see how he deals with a high-pressure game,” he said. “I have complete confidence in my team and the players are in excellent condition.”

The England manager rejected the suggestion his side have an inferiority complex against elite opposition. England’s shirt carries “great responsibility”, he said, while their new World Cup qualifying record showed their quality, but the team must reproduce its training standards over 90 minutes.

“We can beat the best teams in the biggest competitions,” Tuchel said. “We must be clear about our style and our strengths.”

He praised captain Harry Kane, the Ballon d’Or winner, as a pivotal player who leads by example, helps build attacks and links play from England’s half into the opposition territory.

Tuchel also described Lamine Yamal as one of football’s most influential and best players, saying he expected him to be ready for a game of this magnitude. He called Jude Bellingham one of the world’s most gifted and entertaining players, adding that the Real Madrid midfielder had excelled at the World Cup and for his club, and tended to produce his best in matches such as Sunday’s.

England’s semi-final exit at the World Cup had been painful, Tuchel said, but the team’s confidence remained intact and its progress was encouraging.

He also stressed the importance of the Nations League, pointing to Portugal’s victory as evidence of the competition’s value. “We take it very seriously because it gives us the chance to prepare for other competitions, such as the European Championship,” he said.